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Basic Equation Solving

Mike McGarry
Lesson by Mike McGarry
Magoosh Expert
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Algebra
Summary
The essence of basic equation solving in algebra involves isolating the variable to find its unknown value, adhering to mathematical legality while employing strategic steps to efficiently reach the solution.
  • Introduction to basic equation solving, emphasizing the transition from manipulating algebraic expressions to isolating variables to find their values.
  • The mathematical constraint in equation solving is to perform identical operations on both sides of the equation, maintaining balance.
  • Strategic solving involves undoing the order of operations applied to the variable, a process that requires careful consideration of the most efficient steps.
  • Practical examples illustrate the process of isolating the variable by first eliminating addition or subtraction, then addressing multiplication or division.
  • For equations with variables on both sides, the strategy shifts to consolidating all variable terms on one side and constants on the other before isolating the variable.
Chapters
00:12
Introduction to Basic Equation Solving
00:57
Mathematical Constraints and Strategic Operations
01:18
Undoing the Order of Operations
04:36
Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides